The European Union and the Cook Islands have signed a new seven-year protocol to their sustainable fisheries partnership agreement, allowing EU vessels continued access to a small share of the region’s tuna stocks.
The deal, which extends until 2023, provides for 40 fishing days per year for the EU fleet operating in the Pacific, one of the world’s most tightly managed tuna zones.
In exchange, the EU will contribute €3.22 million over the life of the protocol, or €460,000 annually. Of this, €295,000 each year is earmarked for strengthening Cook Islands’ fisheries management, monitoring and surveillance systems, as well as broader blue-economy development.
EU shipowners will also continue to pay €90,000 for authorisation to fish for every 10-day block, a requirement designed to ensure industry participation in the financial framework.
Officials from both sides describe the renewed protocol as a pragmatic compromise in a region where fishing pressure and climate uncertainty demand caution. “Our partnership agreements have gained worldwide recognition as a benchmark for good fisheries governance,” said the Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis.
“With the renewal of the fisheries protocol, European Union vessels will be able to continue fishing in one of the healthiest tropical tuna stocks. We are particularly proud to contribute, through our sectoral support, to the development of the Cook Islands fisheries sector and blue economy.”
The agreement aligns with the work of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission, where both parties support science-based harvest controls for tropical tuna species.
The protocol will apply provisionally from its signing, enabling EU fishing in Cook Islands waters from 9 December 2025. Full entry into force awaits ratification, including approval by the European Parliament.
